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Schools

Teachers Turn Out En Masse for Board of Ed Meeting

More than 200 union members demonstrate as both sides await first mediation meeting on March 14

In a move aimed at showing solidarity, more than 200 teachers marched in front of the William J. Brosnan building for 45 minutes before the start of the Board of Ed meeting on Feb. 28, some carrying signs which read “Fair Settlement.”

The teachers have been without a contract since last June, and have as well as at .  Talks with the school district reached an impasse, with both sides agreeing to go to mediation. The first meeting is scheduled for March 14.

 After demonstrating outside, the teachers lined the hallways leading to the cafeteria where the Board holds its meeting. Antoinette Blanck, president of United Teachers of Northport said that union members weren’t there to intimidate either the Board, the administration, or the public.

“Our presence is to let the board and the public know that we’re still here and we’re hoping for a fair settlement,” Blanck said. 

She stressed that teachers are taxpayers in the community as well, and are aware of the difficult economic climate. She added that her team will be there in full force March 14 and looks forward to sitting down with members of the district at that time.

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When asked about Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker’s controversial proposal to curb the collective bargaining power of public sector untions, Blanck called it “unbelievable," adding that, “What’s happening there could happen here. We stand with and behind our brothers and sisters in Wisconsin.”

During the public portion of the meeting, resident Joanne Loring expressed her disappointment that teachers were still working without a contract. “They deserve it and they deserve it pretty soon,” she said. Her comments were met with applause from some members of the audience.

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Joseph Stewart, another resident, asked Board President Stephen Waldenburg for an update on contract negotiations.  Waldenburg confirmed that after “18 or 19 meetings," both sides agreed to bring in a mediator.

Stewart asked if the mediator was allowed to accept letters from the public, and said it was his understanding that if the arbitration is binding, the question of “ability to pay” can be considered. Stewart said in that case, the far-reaching financial effects that the district would face ifcould be a factor in the negotiations.

After the meeting, Waldenburg admitted that he was a bit “puzzled” as to the reason behind the teachers’ large presence at this particular meeting given the fact that the first meeting with the mediator isn’t scheduled for another two weeks.  “Both sides have agreed we’re at an impasse,” he said, adding, “None of us wants this to go on.”

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